Dutchess County has officially become a go-to destination for equestrian sports. The beauty and pageantry of horses and the grueling, triathlon-style discipline of the equestrian world will be on full display this weekend at the 14th annual Millbrook Horse Trials.

This year, for the first time a total of $25,000 in prize money will be awarded to top-level riders at the event, which begins Thursday and continues through Sunday. But the monetary draw is just another piece to a complex puzzle of equestrian success built by Louise Meryman of Pine Plains. Meryman, who admits that the equestrian world is "her life," began this event way back in 1985 at the former Millbrook Equestrian Center. After several incarnations of the event, the Millbrook Horse Trials has now emerged as one of the top places in the world for horses and riders to test their mettle against each other.

"It truly is a destination event now,'' Meryman said. "It's among one of the top five-six events in the country, and it's one of the very few that run every level — from introduction all the way to advanced level, where riders are competing to qualify for spots on the United States team.''

Meryman said that with the World Equestrian Games looming later this summer, riders that are competing for spots on the team will descend on Coole Park Farm, several miles east of the Village of Millbrook. A ride out to the farm, which is located off Bangall-Amenia Road, and you'll know you are in horse country. The beautiful landscape, rolling hills and expansive open spaces are a far cry from the more populous centers of Dutchess County.

For equestrian loyalists from around the country, as well as for casual fans of the sport, the setting represents nothing short of perfection.

"We are truly fortunate to have an event of this caliber in our backyard,'' said Mariann Caprino, a former Millbrook Horse Trials participant who is on the MHT organizing committee. "The event celebrates riders, the extraordinary athleticism of the horse and the spectacular Dutchess County landscape. It's simply a perfect combination.''

Meryman organizes the Millbrook Horse Trials along with Olivia von Melle Kamp, who was on board with the original event nearly 30 years ago. Meryman said that the modern MHT is put together with a board of 10 people who put in countless hours to make this weekend's event a success.

"It's a big group of very dedicated, hard-working people,'' she said, "all of whom bring their own special abilities to the committee.''

The reason the "triathlon" moniker is often bandied about with the horse trials is because all three equestrian disciplines are contested over the weekend in Millbrook: dressage, stadium and cross-country jumping. Penalty points are compiled for each stage of competition. The horse and rider with the lowest total of penalty points is declared the winner.

Over the multi-day competition, the finest horses and riders will be determined. More than 500 horses and close to 4,000 spectators are expected for the event. Parking and admission are free for the entire weekend.

Caprino said anyone with even a passing interest in horses may be drawn into the compelling action out in Millbrook this weekend.

"You'll see some spectacular riding and real athleticism and courage on the part of the horses, particularly on the cross-country course,'' she said. "Spectators can position themselves pretty much anywhere along the course, and they'll be close enough to hear the pounding of hooves and the horses breathing and snorting as they gallop by. What's really extraordinary is to watch them fearlessly jump huge obstacles that they've never seen before. The water complex, which has a series of obstacles, is always a popular and exciting spot from which to watch.''

Meryman said the cross-country course and the water complex have been upgraded significantly this year, which she said will enhance the event.

"We make upgrades and changes to the course so it remains both interesting and challenging for riders and horses — and exciting for spectators," she said.